Inquests & Public Inquiries
Hamish regularly appears as sole counsel in complex, multi-day inquest hearings, including Article 2 inquests, for healthcare providers, public bodies, companies and charities. Examples of Hamish’s work include:
- The Cranston Inquiry: instructed by the Coastguard in relation to this inquiry, investigating the deaths of 27 people who lost their lives crossing the Channel in a small boat crossing.
- RT Inquest: week-long jury inquest arising out of the death of a lorry driver who was crushed due to the failure of a hydraulic-powered tail ramp to a trailer. Hamish represented the contractor who maintained and inspected the trailer. It was successfully shown that any defect in the trailer would not have been detectable on a reasonable inspection.
- PB Inquest: Acting for adult social services in relation to the death of a man with motor-neurone disease who was found to be malnourished. Despite a conclusion of neglect in the council’s own Section 42 safeguarding report, the Coroner accepted Hamish’s submissions distinguishing the test for neglect in a Section 42 report and for a finding in a Coroners’ Court. No finding of neglect was accordingly made.
- KE Inquest: two-week inquest arising out of the care provided to a patient with psychogenic polydipsia, a complex psychiatric illness resulting in excessive fluid intake.
- KB Inquest: week long inquest arising out of the death of a woman by drug overdose after suspected domestic abuse.
Selected Cases
View full profile »Awards
- Buchanan Prize for outstanding performance on the BPTC (Lincoln’s Inn, 2020)
- Advocacy Scholarship (BPP, 2019)
- Tancred Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn, 2019)
- Winner, the Crowther Shield for public speaking (Lincoln’s Inn, 2019)
- Winner, the Crown Office Mooting Competition (2018)
- The Janet Quigley Prize for Middle English studies (Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, 2016)
News
- Hamish Fraser interviewed by Advocate in relation to pro bono work at the Bar
- Our second six pupils are now accepting instructions
Articles
- Forever Chemicals: Litigation, Liability and Insurance Coverage
- Waiver of disclosure under the Insurance Act 2015
Blogs
Events
- Carlo Taczalski and Hamish Fraser to speak at BILA on 10th June
- Crown Office Chambers at The National Pupillage Fair 2024
Qualifications
- BPTC (Outstanding), BPP
- GDL (Distinction), City University
- English Language & Literature (First Class), University of Oxford
Recommendations
“Hamish is exceptional for his level. The quality of his advice, written work, and advocacy is well beyond his years. He is a pleasure to work with and not afraid to offer his views even when he is being led by Leading Counsel. He doesn’t have any weaknesses.”
Legal 500, 2026
“He is hardworking, dedicated and works well under pressure.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Excellent drafting. Thoughtful. Highly intelligent. Well ahead of his years in terms of drafting, research and views.”
Legal 500, 2025
